Shady Glen Restaurant and Ice Cream Parlor

We have been talking about eating at Shady Glen for many years. Even though we grew up in the area it was our first time here. Just a heads up, this is a cash only place but they do have an ATM on site. When you walk in, you are immediately teleported back to 1950. It’s a quaint, retro diner, a little dated but very clean. We got the cheeseburger with the fried cheese and the cheesefurter, which is a hot dog with fried cheese. The fried cheese was definitely something you need to experience to understand. We loved it and we have never had anything like it. Also, I am kind of a Cole slaw snob and I actually loved the Cole slaw here, very good!! The overall quality of the food was excellent, definitely what you would expect from a retro 1950’s diner, the waitress was very attentive and sweet and we finished the meal off with some ice cream, which was also very good. We will definitely be going back soon, it’s a great overall experience!!

A really old school diner with some pretty interesting details (eg, I'm not sure why the first water is served like you're at the dentist ??(? ?•?_?•? ?)??... a mystery for another time!). The burger comes with a bun, sliced pickle on the side and that's ALL, but they do have condiments so you can dress it if you wish. I had a cheeseburger and if you look at the pic you'll see this crispy brown squarish thing... that's cheese, and damn that's a tasty burger. Also, they make the ice cream, so make sure to grab some because it's tasty (the strawberry in particular, but also the holiday specials Egg Nog and almond-cherry ice cream). One more thing: i can't say if it's an aberration but the fountain Cokes tasted a bit different (somewhat sweeter, maybe a tad more viscous?), not at all bad though. Perhaps that's an attempt to mimic the profile of the old fountain Cokes? Probably achieved by adding a bit more syrup, i believe.

We found this place on our vacation. Love the old time feel and awesome food. The cheeseburgers and fries were delicious. The hot fudge sundae was terrific. Friendly service and a good value. We will be back the next time we are in the area.

**NOTE** Shady Glen is 'cash only', but they do have an ATM on site. Shady Glen is a CT icon. A throwback to the old diners and Woolworth lunch counters. The women wear green dresses with white aprons, the men wear white shirts, maroon bowties, and paper hats, and they mix their soda the old-fashioned way: the syrup first, then the soda water. You may want to stir yours thoroughly before drinking. Or get a delicious shake! Service is usually quick, but I should note that weekends can be busy, and you may have to stand in one of the lines (there are two... left side and right - more tables on the right side) for a little bit. But it's worth it! I always get the same thing: The hamburger platter, which comes with 2 4-ounce patties, fries, and coleslaw. I am not a slaw fan, so they substitute with extra fries. Top it all off with a sundae or cone or buy a carton when you leave. Shady Glen makes their own ice cream. FUN FACT, that delicious cheese on their burgers is made especially for Shady Glen by a Wisconsin dairy with just enough oil so it doesn't stick to the grill when they fry it.

I can't describe how much I love this place! Went there last week for breakfast and I really liked the food. Have tried their ice cream before and loved it. And it's so full of life all the time. The 50s ambience, quality and quantity of the food they serve, the staff... this place can't get any better. Hands down one of the best restaurants in Manchester. P.S.: They only accept cash, but I think they have an ATM inside.